New Dentist Resources
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) wants to see new dentists — the future of the profession — succeed in their careers. We have a wealth of resources to help you get engaged and stay informed including valuable programs, essential email updates, and networking events in your local District and at the state level to to help you connect with other members.
New Dentist Programs
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) knows that when you are starting out, there may be questions, concerns, and guidance needed as you begin your career. Our goal is to help you with complimentary programs and events catered specifically to those who are early-career dentists. We are currently offering the following programs/events:
MENTORSHIP POD PROGRAM
A recent MDS member survey showed that early-career dentists are interested in having a mentor help guide them with their careers As a result, we are launching an MDS Mentorship Pod Program in December 2024. The program will consist of mentorship pods that will meet informally throughout the year for support and guidance. A pod will include two mentors and six to eight mentees. The goal is to have 5-10 pods in this pilot year (2025), which will meet once a month with some virtual and some in-person sessions, to be determined by the pod.
Mentor Selection & Qualities—The key to an effective mentorship program is the careful selection of mentors. A mentor needs to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and offer valuable insights based on their own experiences. These skills also involve fostering positive and open communication, building trust, and tailoring guidance to the unique needs of each mentee. Because the role is so crucial to the success of the program, MDS staff members identified MDS members to invite to serve in this important role. Twenty-five candidates have agreed to serve in this capacity.
Mentee Qualities—The ideal mentee candidate is one to ten years out of dental school and interested in sharing and learning with seasoned dentists and peers. This program will offer a structured environment that pairs those newer to the profession with more experienced dentists to share knowledge and provide guidance. The goal is develop a relationships between the mentor, mentee, and pod members to support personal and professional growth.
Mentee Selection—The 2025 pilot program will be limited to 80 mentees. Mentees will be selected based on first-come, first-served basis. After being accepted to the program mentees will complete a brief questionnaire which will be used to pair groups together.
Program Timeline—Registration opens in November and closes on December 15, 2024. Information on pods will be shared in January. Each pod will be encouraged to hold a Zoom or in-person introductory meeting in January. Mentors will be given ice-breaker topics to help facilitate active discussion. A launch party will be on February 13, 2025, location to be determined, to allow people to connect in-person and meet other pod members. Each pod will be seated together and pods will be given discussion topics and scenarios to facilitate brainstorming. This interactive night is aimed at creating open and honest discussions amongst pod members. Following the launch party pods will meet once per month (date/time to be determined by the individual pods with the opportunity to discuss real life situations and/or issues pod teams members are experiencing. Mentors can also request a meeting stipend from the MDS to cover in-person pod get togethers.
Continuing Education
The MDS aims to meet the continuing education (CE) needs of all dental professionals by offering a multitude of courses, seminars, and symposia, as well as the annual Yankee Dental Congress.
The Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID) requires all dentists to fulfill CE requirements, including mandatory courses in risk management, CPR, pain management, and infection control, per biannual license renewal cycle.
You can find CE opportunities on our MDS calendar or on your local District pages.
Employment Agreements and Compensation
Use the Associate Considerations and Contracts page to learn more about:
- Methods of Compensation
- Terms for a Basic Contract
- Classifications
Use the ADA's Compensation as an Employee page to learn more about:
- Understanding Compensation Calculations
- Common Compensation Terms
Employment Opportunities
Looking for employment opportunities?
Visit the MDS Career Center for current job opportunities and to upload your resume, or contact your District Dental Society.
How to Get Involved
There are plenty of opportunities for new dentists to become involved with the MDS community, including networking events, District meetings, and MDS Committee participation.
The Membership Committee puts on several networking events and family fun days throughout the year. These are opportunities to connect with other new dentists, as well as seasoned dentists and dental students. The MDS offers a variety of Committees that you may participate in, as well as community volunteer opportunities.
Patient Insurance Plans and Providers
As you begin to practice dentistry, you will find that navigating the various dental insurance plans that your patients carry can be complex. You should familiarize yourself with common insurance terms and providers to better understand the contract and billing processes. This will ensure that you are able to make informed decisions in the best interest of your patients and your practice.
Practice Management
The MDS is dedicated to helping dental professionals manage their practices from navigating through guidelines and regulations to understanding the impact risk management has on their practice. Here are some resources you may find useful.
Protecting Yourself
As you begin your career, it is vital that you protect yourself and your business. Speaking with a good insurance agent is the first step to take. If you don’t have an agent, ask for recommendations from other dentists or get in touch with the ADA or the MDS.
The following are important protections that MDS membership connects you with: